Detection of an IgM antiidiotype directed against anti‐HBs in hepatitis B patients
Catherine L. Troisi, F. Blaine Hollinger – 1 September 1985 – An IgM‐specific anti‐[anti‐HBs] antibody was detected by radioimmunoassay using anti‐IgM‐coated beads and 125I‐labeled anti‐HBs. This antiidiotype was found only in the sera of hepatitis B virus‐infected patients, both acute and chronic. However, not all HBsAg‐positive patients exhibited this reaction, and activity was correlated with the presence of HBeAg. Approximately 93% of sera that contained antiidiotype activity also contained HBeAg. Conversely, 70% of the sera positive for HBeAg reacted in the IgM assay.